A narrow five point loss to close rivals East Coast Eagles at Blacktown Olympic Park on Sunday spelt the end of Pennant Hills season, one which saw them achieve much in terms of young player development. The Eagles won the First Semi-Final in a nail- biting last quarter, 12-5-77 to 10-12-72, but the Demons could feel proud of their performance nevertheless.

Pennant Hills had first use of the wind and soon had 4-3 on the board before East Coast opened their account with a goal. At quarter time the Demons held a 27 point lead but a scoring drought then began, one which was to last until well into the third term.

Unable to score in the second term, they surrendered the half time lead to East Coast by five points. Then, at the 17 minute mark of the third quarter, three goals in four minutes, two to spearhead Anthony Brawn and one to Mitch Aitken, put Pennant Hills back in front.

However the effort could not be sustained, and despite clinging to a narrow advantage for much of the last stanza, victory slipped from the Demons grasp.

Defenders Matt McCamey, Kieran Wright, Jason Clarke and Alastair Richardson all did well in containing the high-scoring East Coast forwards, particularly when under constant pressure because of a midfield unable to provide its normal drive.

Jackson Ferguson played another marvellous finals game and received plenty of assistance from Tom Angel and Nick Bills who each kicked two goals. For a player new to the game, Bills has had a find debut season and is difficult to match up on because of his height and pace.

In the ruck, Luke Bilbe gave his usual whole-hearted effort to round off what has been possibly his best-ever season.

Pennant Hills played North Shore in the Under 18’s First Semi-Final but could not hold off the Bombers strong finish and bowed out losers, 8-9-57 to 6-10-46. Within their ranks however, are nine players who tasted senior football this season, several of whom should successfully graduate next year to the higher grade.